on growing and keeping the faith
life and people can be so ugly. i'm starting to lose faith in human goodness, especially in places where it is expected to triumph and flourish. however, i'm thankful for selected friends and family who are daily reminders of His grace and mercy, and i really need to learn to extend this to people who least deserve it, because they need it the most. and also because of the grace and mercy He's shown me over the years as well. a work-in-progress, always.
someone also passed away this week, and i wasn't able to go for the wake since i was down with flu and on MC... i feel deeply sad for her who was left behind, and when i think about the wonderful person she has been, and the great work he's done. i find comfort in remembering that God has a purpose, cares for them and will comfort them with His presence... and really, the best thing i can do is to pray for her and her family, and to send carefully-crafted words.
in so many ways, life and death is in the power of the tongue. i am reminded of how praising and cursing can come from it, subject to our volition, sinfulness and yielded-ness to God. words can be used to minister to and build up others; they can also be used to hurt and digging your own grave. words, like actions, should be employed with wisdom. am learning lots from the book of Proverbs, finding comfort and assurance in Psalms and.. just trying to pray and live prayers such as "may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, o Lord my Redeemer.
this is the first time there is Christmas decor at home, and even cheap Daiso decor brings such cheer to my heart after a long day at work. i was reminded today of something insiduous i had bought in to - working overtime indicates diligence and dedication.. and this week's social media shares from my facebook feed is a reminder that efficiency and productivity is enhanced by time away from work and personal restorative activities.. and overtime can be a sign of inefficiency and poor planning. at least i know that my working overtime is largely due to being new to the job and organisation, and trying to learn and continue to get up to speed.
God, please protect me and watch my back, and grant me wisdom so that i may be free from and not a victim of slander and manipulation. there is so little i know, and i'm so clueless about peoples' motivation and implications and effects of their actions...so much to learn and grapple with.
a personality test from a facebook link:
Your Sensitivity is your Most Dominant Character Trait!
You have a big heart with a lot of love to go around. Not only that, but you are extra aware of other people's feelings and very conscious as to how their emotions are affected by yours and other's behavior. The level of empathy you possess is greatly appreciated and picked up on by your friends and family, which is why you're such great company to have around.
Click to viewthe piano guys have done it again :)
that said, #remindertoself not to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas and the hope and light the Christ child brought to this dark world.. and to remember to pray for, give to and minister to the lonely and miserable this Christmas.